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| Duration | Destination | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 25 days and 24 nights | India (New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Badami, Hampi, Hassan, Mysore, Bangalore, Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam) | India (New Delhi) |
Begin the tour and explore the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra & Jaipur) to get a full-fledged glimpse of India’s royal and cultural heritage. Fly to Mumbai a city famous as the heart of Bollywood film industry. Fly to Goa and unwind on the Hippy loved beaches. Explore the Hindu collection of temples at Pattadakal & Aihole, Hampi, Belur & Halebid. Visit magnificent palaces in Mysore & Bangalore then fly to Cochin. Visit Tea Estate in Munnar, explore the picturesque Periyar National Park, cruise in enchanting backwater at Alleppey and then rejuvenate on the Kovalam beach.
Day 1:
Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel (check in/out time 12pm). Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2:
Delhi (B)
City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3:
Delhi - Agra (210km) (B)
Drive to Agra via Mathura & Vrindavan. In Mathura visit Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna`s parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa. The temple is of great significance for the Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkadhish Temple, built in 1814 famous for its elaborate architecture and paintings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, depicted in a black marble idol. An array of beautiful ceiling paintings showcasing the various aspects of the Lord`s life and the beautiful Rajasthani architectural designs and carving makes the complex look even more magnanimous.
Next proceed to Vrindavan where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood. Visit Shri Bankey Bihari Temple, one of the most revered shrines of Thakur of Vrindavan adorned with arched windows and meticulous stonework. Radha Vallabh Temple, one of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan. Built in 1585, using red sandstones, the wall of the temple is 10 feet thick and are pierced in 2 stages. This temple is the epitome of the sacred and divine love of Radha and Krishna, displayed in the rarest form Ras-bhakti. Enshrined by Lord Krishna, the temple does not have a deity of Radha. Instead, it has a crown placed next to Lord Krishna to signify her presence. Prem Mandir, made out of white marble and adorned with very intricate carvings, the temple is famous for its architectural beauty. Continue drive to Agra check in & overnight at hotel.
Day 4:
Agra - Jaipur (245km) (B)
Sunrise visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
Drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Next visit Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple.
Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the local market of Pink City. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5:
Jaipur (B)
City tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6:
Jaipur - Mumbai (B)
Transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai.
Arrival transfer to hotel. Later City tour of Mumbai. Drive via Marine Drive one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city to reach Gateway of India. Board a ferry from here to reach Elephanta Caves (Monday closed). A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where caves are located. Afterwards cruise back to Gateway of India and then city tour. Drive pass CST & Parliament House. Visit Dhobhi Ghat to see the city famous open air laundry in action. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, a grade I Heritage Building of the city counted amongst one of the most prominent museums of India. The complex exhibits a myriad collection of ancient artefacts, artwork and sculptors of the country which give a unique insight into our past. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7:
Mumbai - Goa (B)
Transfer to airport to board flight for Goa. On arrival transfer to resort. Rest time free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8:
Goa (B)
City tour of Goa. Visit Old Goa monument the Basilica of Bom Jesus a 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus housing the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese on the mouth of the Mondovi River and a 4-storey Portuguese lighthouse oldest of its kind in Asia. In South Goa visit Mangueshi Temple, Shanta Durga Temple & Margao the headquarters of South Goa. Drive Pass the charming beaches such as Calangute, Dona Paula, Miramar and Baga Beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9:
Goa - Badami (184km) (B)
Drive to Badami check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10:
Badami (B)
Excursion to visit Aihole a historical site & home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments from 6th to 12th century. Few important monuments in Aihole include the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi Group Temple, Gowda Temple and the Huchappayyagudi Temple amongst numerous others. And Pattadakal a treasure trove of Hindu and Jain temples complex built-in 7th and 8th century CE. The various temples that one must visit are Virupaksha Temple, Jain temple, Papanatha temple, Galaganath temple, and Sangameshwara temple. Also visit Badami Cave consist of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings & depictions. Badami Fort perched on the top of a cliff accompanied by two Shivalaya complexes dating back to the 5th century & watchtower atop hill. And Agastya Lake surrounded by red sandstone temples. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11:
Badami - Hampi (180km) (B)
Drive to Hampi. Enroute visit Gadag a place of historical importance, famous for its ancient Hindu & Jain temples and medieval architecture. Constructed between the 10th to 12th CE by the Kings of Chalukyan Empire, the Trikuteshewara Temple is famous for its style of architecture and the temple has three Shivalingas carved out of a single rock. And Lakkundi a heaven of ancient temples ruins and step wells. It is a place of antiquarian interest with more than 50 ancient temples scattered all over the village, 101 stepped wells built during the rule of the Chalukyas, Seuna, Kalachuris and Hoysalas. These temples are most famous for their ornate and elaborate furnishing.
Arrive Hampi check in & overnight at hotel.
Day 12:
Hampi (B)
City tour of Hampi an UNESCO world Heritage sites dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Although the city was destroyed by marauding Moghul invaders in the 16th century, much of it remains today. The vast site of monuments and ruins are a mute witness to an ear of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The ruins of Hampi are so majestic and imposing that they leave the visitor totally dumbfounded, awestruck and humbled. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, Kings Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, Royal enclosures, Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple Complex, Lotus Mahal & ASI Museum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13:
Hampi - Hassan (170km) (B)
Drive to Hassan enroute visit Belur, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire is known for its exquisite temples. Celebrated temple of Chennakeshava built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD, is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. Everything is carved in black stone looking like metal. Kappe Chennigaraya Temple is another majestic 12th CE temple built next to a pond. The stone architecture has splendid carvings and bas-relief work. Temple complex include two ornate pillars, one of the Garuda built during the Vijaynagar period and one with a lamp built during the Hoysala period. Lakshmi temple, Sowmyanayaki temple & Ranganayaki temple are other temple in same complex.
In Halebedu visit the Hoysaleswara Temple built in 12th CE surrounded by ponds, mantapas and lakes. It is well known for the sculptures and architecture of Hoysala period standing on platform like a casket, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses. Other temple in Halebedu are Kadareswara Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Ishvara Temple, Koravangala Temple, Lakshmi Devi temple & Hulikere Pond. Also visit the Jain bastics.
Continue drive to Hassan check in at hotel.
Day 14:
Hassan - Mysore (140km) (B)
Drive to Mysore via visiting Shravanabelagola one of the most important Jain pilgrim enters. Visit Vindhyagiri Hill where a 17m high naked Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara) the world tallest monolithic statue, is placed. And Chandragiri Hill which is also a seat of several ancient Jain centers, much older than Gommateshwara statue.
Arrive Mysore check in at hotel. City tour visit Mysore Palace built in the 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country. Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple, one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas located on the eastern edge at the height of 1000ft. The temple also has statues of Nandi Bull and Mahishasura the demon. City Palace which was re-built by Henry Irwin during 1897 in an indo-saracenic style. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors. St. Philomena`s Church the second tallest church of Asia built in Neo-Gothic style of architecture. Jaganmohan Palace that housed the royals before the construction of The Mysore palace, this structure displays various paintings of the past kings of Mysore and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Day 15:
Mysore - Bangalore (140km) (B)
Drive to Bangalore enroute visit Ranganathaswamy Temple a 10th century beautifully carved temple complex located in Srirangapatna. The temple has an imposing tower over the entrance gate and two large concentric rectangular enclosures around its perimeter. On arrival check in at hotel.
Day 16:
Bangalore (B)
Visit Lal Bagh Garden which houses over 1800 species of flora including rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. Cubbon Park a landmark area located within the heart of the city. The Bangalore Fort a living testimony of the notorious struggle of the Mysore Empire against the mighty Britishers. Tippu`s Summer Palace the magnificent accommodation of the valiant ruler of Mysore Tipu Sultan. Bangalore Palace an epitome of great architecture and beauty a mixture of Tudor & Scottish Gothic architecture. The Bull Temple one of the oldest temples in the city. Also drive pass the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha & the Secretariat.
Day 17:
Bangalore - Cochin (B)
Transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. On arrival assistance & transfer hotel check in. City tour of Cochin the lovely seaside city flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. You will find here a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle. Visit Fort Cochin a charming seaside area known for its Dutch, Portuguese & British colonial architecture and elaborate bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. St. Francis Church was the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama. Upscale eateries and chic cafes serve Keralan specialties, and quaint shops sell cotton clothing and handmade souvenirs. Heritage buildings house contemporary art galleries. Also visit Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry Dutch`s Palace. In the evening enjoy Kathakali, a traditional dance form of Kerala with lavish costumes, exotic makeup, masks etc.
Day 18:
Cochin - Munnar (130km) (B)
Drive to Munnar, check in at hotel. During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favorite tourist places. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range expose its beauty. Later tea estate visit and tea testing. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19:
Munnar (B)
Visit Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. Mattupetty dam and its reservoir, a concrete gravity dam built between the hill ranges for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Rajamala a hill station in Eravikulam National Park a natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world`s population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. Mattupedi Dairy Farm, famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm, a highly specialized dairy farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Echo Point, go there and scream as loud as you can and wait for a minute to hear your echo back! Also visit Tea Museum to know more about the century old culture a lively glimpse of how the tea culture flourished across South India. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20:
Munnar - Thekkady (110km) (B)
Drive to Thekkady check in at hotel. Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat. The tropical evergreen and deciduous forests teeming with elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger and wild boar along with various species of snake including cobras, vipers, kraits and many non-poisonous snakes is a wildlife lover`s dream. A variety of birds such as grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, woodpeckers and bulbuls also have found a home in this sanctuary. Afterwards take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. You could stop at the local market and pick some fragrant spices. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21:
Thekkady - Alleppey (130km) (B,L,D)
Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board houseboat and sail through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters. While sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, the panoramic sights one can never forget. Pass through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. Alleppey is referred as the Venice of the East, due to canals, backwaters, and lagoons. Boats are the main mode of transportation here, you can see Shikara boats, small motor boats, passenger boats, cargo boat, and houseboats. Evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. The Houseboats have generated electricity, sitting cum dining area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a chef & driver. Overnight in houseboat.
Day 22:
Kumarakom - Kovalam (160km) (B)
Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam check in at hotel. Rest time free to relax on the beach.
Day 23:
Kovalam - Cape Camorin - Kovalam (80kms one way) (B)
City tour of Trivandrum. Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple embellished in gold-plated covering, the temple sanctom is opened only to Hindu. Attukal Temple, rich in cultural heritage and adorned by impeccable Tamil architecture. The city has a rich tradition of nurturing art and culture since ancient times, witness same by visiting Museums. Napier Museum, renowned for its fine collection of sculptures, paintings and musical instruments. Drive through famous beaches which include Shankumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Beach & Light House Beach Road.
Excursion to visit Cape Camorin visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial built on the site where Vivekananda attained enlightenment, located at about 500 meters east of the mainland of Vavathurai and can be accessed by regular ferries. The Shripada Mandapam has a study hall and a museum, where you can explore Vivekananda`s life and work in depth. Kumari Amman Temple believed to be built by Lord Parshuram 3000 years ago to worship Devi Kanyakumari who is the reincarnation of goddess Parvati, on the coast rising above the sea level while affording a beautiful view of foamy water touching the temple walls (only hindu can enter the temple). Kanyakumari Beach, the beautiful hue-changing beach on the confluence of three water bodies: Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. Miraculously, here you can see that the water of three seas does not mix, you can distinguish between the turquoise blue, deep blue, and sea green waters of the three seas, though the colors keep changing with the season and the day`s weather.
Evening drive back to Kovalam for overnight at hotel.
Day 24:
Kovalam (B)
Day free and easy for personal activities and relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 25:
Kovalam - Trivandrum (16kms) (B)
As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
• Assistance on arrival at airport.
• 24 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels.
• Meal as per day plan (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)
• Private air conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
• English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
• Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water in car.
• Government taxes.
• Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa & Bangalore - Cochin flight.
• Camera charges at monuments.
• Meals other than mentioned in day plan.
• Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
• Gratuities & optional activities.
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
| Day | Overnight | Itinerary highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 StarsNew Delhi | New Delhi - Delhi Airport or your hotel in the city |
| 2 | 4 StarsNew Delhi | |
| 3 | 4 StarsAgra | |
| 4 | 4 StarsJaipur | |
| 5 | 4 StarsJaipur | |
| 6 | 4 StarsMumbai | |
| 7 | 4 StarsGoa | |
| 8 | 4 StarsGoa | |
| 9 | 4 StarsBadami | |
| 10 | 4 StarsBadami | |
| 11 | 4 StarsHampi | |
| 12 | 4 StarsHampi | |
| 13 | 4 StarsHassan | |
| 14 | 4 StarsMysore | |
| 15 | 4 StarsBangalore | |
| 16 | 4 StarsBangalore | |
| 17 | 4 StarsKochi | |
| 18 | 4 StarsMunnar | |
| 19 | 4 StarsMunnar | |
| 20 | 4 StarsThekkady | |
| 21 | 4 StarsAlleppey | |
| 22 | 4 StarsKovalam | |
| 23 | 4 StarsKovalam | |
| 24 | 4 StarsKovalam | |
| 25 | Trivandrum - Trivandrum Airport |
| Place | 3 star hotels | 4 star hotels | 5 star hotels |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel or similar | The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket or similar | Le Meridien/ The Claridges or similar |
| Agra | Howard Plaza the Fern/ Amar Hotel or similar | Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn or similar | Courtyard by Marriott/ Trident Hotel or similar |
| Jaipur | Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean or similar | Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier or similar | ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur or similar |
| Mumbai | Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil or similar | Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel or similar | Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central or similar |
| Goa | So My Resort/ Lambana Resort or similar | Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim/ The Chances Resort & Casino or similar | Alila Diwa Goa/ Radisson Blu Resort or similar |
| Badami | Krishna Heritage/ The Heritage Resort or similar | Krishna Heritage or similar | |
| Hampi | Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort or similar | Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti or similar | Hampi Boulders/ Hyatt Place or similar |
| Hassan | Candy Southern Star/ Pavanputra Resort & Spa or similar | Hosyala Village Resort or similar | |
| Mysore | Southern Star/Sandesh The Prince or similar | Fortune Park JP Palace/ Country Inn & Suites by Radisson or similar | Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel/ Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden or similar |
| Bangalore | Ramada/ The Rialto or similar | Fortune Select JP Cosmos/ Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake or similar | ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection/ ITC Windsor a Luxury Collection or similar |
| Kochi | The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza or similar | Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime or similar | Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien or similar |
| Munnar | Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle or similar | Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar or similar | Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County or similar |
| Thekkady | Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop or similar | The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County or similar | Spice Village/ Carmelia Haven Resort or similar |
| Alleppey | Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats) or similar | Premium Houseboat or similar | Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons) or similar |
| Kovalam | Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort or similar | Esturay Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel or similar | Raviz Kovalam/ Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove or similar |
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